Publisher's Summary

In this splendid New York Times best-seller, Julie Garwood brilliantly crafts the majestic story of a young Englishwoman determined to fight for her freedom...a woman whose life would be transformed by the rare, unexpected gift of love.

When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed she would never marry again. Only sixteen, already she possessed a strength of will that impressed all who looked past her golden-haired beauty. Yet when King John demanded that she remarry - and selected a bridegroom for her - it seemed she must acquiesce, until her beloved foster brother suggested she wed his friend, the handsome Scottish warrior Gabriel MacBain.

At first Johanna was shy, but as Gabriel tenderly revealed the splendid pleasures they would share, she came to suspect that she was falling in love with her gruff new husband. And it was soon apparent to the entire Highlands clan that their brusque, gallant laird had surrendered his heart completely. But now a desperate royal intrigue threatened to tear her from his side - and to destroy the man whose love meant more to her than she had ever dreamed!

This story is beautifully written and the characters are so real to life. This is a highland story that has a backdrop of domestic violence. It may not seem unusual to read of domestic violence in highland historical romances but most stories just show it as common place. This book shows how Johanna deals with the abuse and handles it. Of course there is more to the story as it wouldn't be a highland story without the romance. There are many poignant moments that had me upset or mad but there were just as many times I smiled. It is more of a sweet tender highland story rather than a highland battle adventure. Its worth listening to.

Now hold on and bare with me 'cause I'm about to gush here and probably say love and loved quite a few times - so apologies in advance.

I just love Julie Garwood's books, and this one especially as it's filled with such a rich array of strong, loveable, quirky and funny characters that you can't help but fall in love with. Then I love the way Johanna & Gabriel's (I definitely loved him) characters evolved as they grew closer together and they learn from and with each other as their love story unfolds. I also love the way JG writes - painting each scene for us to soak up and mentally visualise the clothes, the culture, the Castle, the Warriors, the fighting, the love scenes and all the other touching, tender, violent, funny and sad events contained within these precious hours of listening. I love her story which blends heartache, violence, lust, love, betrayal and a host of other emotions making it a (Highland) Historical romance lovers perfect listen.

Finally, I love Rosalyn Landor's narration as she not only breathes life into every character, successfully tackles the difficult task of dialects but she also puts just the right feelings that's needed whether it be anger, sorrow, pain, lust, happiness or love and so, as each chapter is revealed, it captures the great synergy between author and narrator that I wish all books would have.

Worth a credit? I think you may have got the impression that I loved it - so that my friends is a OH AYE twas a bonny wee book and an offa gid listen.

I read this many years ago and listening to it just brought me back and I remembered why I love the chacters so much then. I had to listen to it twice because it had me captive. Julie Garwood is an amazing writing.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

They tease you with a "bigger picture" story that they put very little investment into but is resolved by the end. I found that kind of annoying. A lot of the day-to-day stories were very interesting, if not very predictable.

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She was very good. Her accents were good and I didn't feel her male voices were ridiculous which some romance narrators do a poor job of. It is probably most complimentary to say I didn't find her voice distracting at all from the story.

Any additional comments?

There's a lot of story to this and not as much romance as other novels. It was more about the local history where it was set than it was about love or even spice. A lot of elements were very easy to see coming. Some of the characters are fairly contradictory, likely in order to keep the tension going, and certain misunderstandings didn't make sense. If you are interested in highlander romance in particular this is probably a good one. If that isn't enough to draw you in I'm not sure the romance itself is that strong in this.

At first I thought it was the most awful but with horrible content. Then I got to chapter 2...3...etc and I didn't want to stop listening. You must listen purely for enjoyment as if you listen for historically correct adjectives you will be very disappointed. It is, however, a good entertainment book.